The European Democracy Shield is a timely and commendable initiative aimed at addressing the EU’s growing democratic challenges. However, it would benefit from a more human-centered approach focusing on citizen participation, civil society engagement, and more nuanced policies on digital regulation.
The European Democracy Shield (EDS), introduced by the European Commission as part of its 2025 work programme, focuses on countering the most severe threats to democracy across the EU and building core European capabilities. While appreciating this focus, we advocate for a transformative approach and believe that the European Democracy Shield should be an indispensable instrument for reimagining and revitalising European democracy.
Based on Demos Helsinki’s multidisciplinary research on embedding democratic innovations, fair digitalisation, democratic governance and the renewal of European social contracts, we make seven recommendations in response to the Working document of the European Parliament’s Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield.
Recommendations for the European Democracy Shield
1. The EDS should consider the critical role of meaningful citizen engagement for European democratic resilience. We emphasise that nurturing trust – between citizens and institutions, and within society – is paramount. Strengthening democratic resilience requires prioritising citizen participation at all levels of governance, embedding participatory capacity across EU institutions, setting EU-wide participation standards, diversifying participatory methods, increasing accountability, and building societal competences for public participation.
2. The EDS should strengthen a coordinated response to foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI). This involves establishing rapid-response mechanisms and mandating cooperation among Member States and between Member States and EU institutions to combat FIMI effectively.
3. The EDS should highlight the safer digital space. Our research shows that while algorithm-driven platforms can amplify divisive content, they also offer access for new political actors. We recommend supporting national-level Digital Services Act (DSA) enforcement, funding trusted flaggers and awareness campaigns, and balancing regulation with pluralism in the digital realm.
4. The EDS should enhance the empowerment of civil society. Civil society is crucial for safeguarding democratic values, and the Democracy Shield should proactively empower it by boosting resources and institutionalising their inclusion as co-creators of legislation, particularly where democratic backsliding is a concern.
5. The EDS should seek to improve the democratic legitimacy of institutions within Justice and Home Affairs. Beyond policy enforcement, there’s a need to reflect on enhancing the democratic legitimacy of JHA organisations like Europol, Eurojust, and Frontex. This includes prioritising democratic oversight and evaluating JHA instruments for their alignment with democratic values, ensuring strong accountability mechanisms.
6. The EDS should centre a devolved approach to democracy support in external action. Empowering local communities is integral to strengthening democratic processes and electoral integrity in partner countries and the Global South. A firm humility in this approach is likely to enhance the EU’s standing in these countries.
7. The EDS should take a human-centred approach to preparedness. While a whole-of-society approach is important, we suggest grounding security and resilience in a human-centred approach by formalising the role of civil society organizations, trade unions, and associations in connecting with citizens and vulnerable groups.
Moving from reactive protection to proactive transformation
Ultimately, Europe must not only defend democracy, but also make it worth defending. By investing in citizen participation, ensuring digital accountability, and empowering civic spaces, the EU can move from reactive protection to proactive transformation. The Democracy Shield should integrate participatory democracy, digital justice, and civic empowerment as core pillars of the EU democratic strategy. This approach ensures that European democracy is resilient and revitalised for future challenges.